Rationality of Terrorist Acts, Counterterrorism and Risk Analysis
Rationality of Terrorist Acts, Counterterrorism and Risk Analysis

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to consider, from various theoretical perspectives, the correlations between rationality of terrorism and other key elements that make the phenomenology of terrorism. Starting from the premise that understanding of the aspect of rationality determines the assessment of the risks of terrorism and affects counter-terrorism policy, the author first analyzes the viewpoint of Pavlićević (2015) and the insights of several theoretical sources for the sake of attaining a complete and deeper understanding of these relationships. The author emphasizes the significance of analytical models and points out that in the assessment and risk analysis it is of primary importance to take into account different concepts of terrorist motivations and levels of rationality, as well as the character of the terrorist goals. The author supports the conclusions of researchers that only comprehensive understanding of rationality from different scientific perspectives may generate the basis for building an efficient counter-terrorism strategy. Yet, in understanding the phenomenon of terrorism, it must be noted that the political motive, goals and the instrumental rationality of terrorism remain in the forefront.

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